Humane Society Sues to Protect Seals

The Humane Society of the United States filed suit yesterday against the city of San Diego, demanding that officials restore a rope barrier at La Jolla Children’s Pool beach part of the year to protect newborn seal pups. “Our marine scientists are telling us that the presence of the barrier during pupping season is crucial to make sure harbor seal pups are not killed,” said Jon Lovvorn, Humane Society vice president for animal protection litigation. (continued…)

A Pacific harbor seal hauls out on a rock. This group of harbor seals, which has formed a breeding colony at a small but popular beach near San Diego, is at the center of considerable controversy. While harbor seals are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other legislation, local interests would like to see the seals leave so that people can resume using the beach.Image ID: 03011Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsiLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

A Pacific harbor seal hauls out on a sandy beach. This group of harbor seals, which has formed a breeding colony at a small but popular beach near San Diego, is at the center of considerable controversy. While harbor seals are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other legislation, local interests would like to see the seals leave so that people can resume using the beach.Image ID: 01925Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsiLocation: La Jolla, California, USA

A mother Pacific harbor seal and her newborn pup swim in the protected waters of Childrens Pool in La Jolla, California. This group of harbor seals, which has formed a breeding colony at a small but popular beach near San Diego, is at the center of considerable controversy. While harbor seals are protected from harassment by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other legislation, local interests would like to see the seals leave so that people can resume using the beach.Image ID: 02134Species: Pacific harbor seal, Phoca vitulina richardsiLocation: La Jolla, California, USA